Laminated fabric and method of making it



March 6, 1928.

D. DE GUNCZ ET AL.

LAMINATED FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING IT Filed Feb.l9. 1925 3Sheets-Sheet. 1

jvevfior'a.

He G'oemz, fllbefl a (forces, 2; Mfg 44W March 6, 1928.

D. DE GONCZ ET AL LAMINATED FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING I'I.

Filed Feb. 19. 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 MAJ L H L P275155 cZe Joengz,bywwwmw March 6, 1928. 1,661,880

D. DE GONcz ET AL LAHIKATED FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING IT Filed Feb.19.1925 3 Sheets-Sheet :5

W WfQAw into a colloidal cellulose derivative.

Patented Mar. 6, 1928.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

DENIS DI: 66x03 ALBERT B. JONES, OF NORTH ADAIS, IABSAOHUBE'ITB, A8-SIGNORS '10 ARNOLD PRINT WORKS, OF NORTH ADAMS, MASSACHUSETTS, A COB-POBATION OI MASSACHUSETTS.

LAIIN'AT ED FABRIC AND METHOD OF MAKING IT.

Application fled February 19, 1925. Serial No. 10.283.

cellulose derivative in the manner of a glue or varnish; and also theconversion of part of the cellulosic fiber; of which one or both of theassembled webs may be com ospd, ar

as we are aware, such attem ts have been, at best, only partially succl, the cementitious material, whether a glue or a cellulose derivative,prepared and applied, or prepared by partial conversion of cloth fibers,serving to produce excessive stiffness in the final product, if thecementitious material was present in adequate quantity to integrate theseveral webs adhesively, or, in the case of a cellulose derivativeproduced by conversion of the cloth fibers themselves, producing aparchment-like efiect inconsistent with complete adaptability to thenormal uses of textile fabric-if the proportion of fiber thus convertedsufiiced to perform the adhesive function at all adequately. So far aswe are informed, or have observed in the course of various experimentsand demonstrations, the chief defects of laminated adhesively assembledfabric webs, made by heretofore known methods, have been eitherexuassive stifl'ness or inadequate and impermanent junction between thecomponent webs, the latter even though the adhesive cellulosic materialbe abundant in uantity and therefore productive of the c aracteristicsof stiffness and parchment-like consistency which unfits the compositestructure for normal use as textile fabric.

We have discovered that if two or more webs of cotton fabric beimpregnated severally and simultaneously with rea ents adapted toconvert art of the cellulose bers into a colloidal ce ulose solution,and be in or brought into contact with each other while containing byabsor tion the reagent materials and remain in relation while thedissolving action is still in regress, an intimate and permanent union 0the several constituent webs of fabric will be produced by means of aproportion of cellulosic mater al insuflicient sensibly to impair ordegrade ,the softness and liability of the textile material, which,wliile possessing increased body and stoutness, proportionate to thethickness of the laminated product, nevertheless retains both to sightand touch the characteristics expected of textile material adapted tonormal uses; the fibers of the fabric -if it be cottonmay be soconverted in part as to resemble linen, this in itself being a valuabletransformation. Other characteristics of our discovery and inventionwill be made manifest by the following description of the process bywhich we pre fer to make the laminated, integrated textile fabric, aprocess which is here described as the best specific exemplificationknown to us, by which to carry our invention and discovery into efiect.

In an application for United States Letters Patent, filed by Dr. Denisde Goncz on or about the twenty-second day of September, 1924, andserially numbered 739,201 there 1s described a treatment of cellulosicmaterials which, in brief, is as follows:

Cellulosic fibrous material (cotton, jute, linen, ramie, wood, or othervegetable fibers) for example cotton cloth, is first uniformly wettedwith an alkaline solution, such as of caustic soda, by padding, dippingand squeezing, or in any manner adapted to produce an even distributionon the surfaces and in the capillary spaces of the cloth of the reagentor activating'solution. When the alkaline reagent is thus applied, botha. predetermined concentration of reagent and a predetermined, measuredcontent of water and alkali in relation to the cellulose volume, or theeffective superficial area of the textile material may be secured. Theconcentration of caustic soda, thus applied, is recommended to be notmuch greater than 20 Twaddell and therefore insufiicient in itself tocause any material chemical effect such as mercerizing at normaltemperatures and during normal time-duration of treat ment, other thanadsorption'upon the cellulosic contents of the alkaline contents.

When the material is prepared by associating it with an alkaline reagentin this managent away from the textile or cellulosic nor, the capillaryand adsorptive association of the material with the alkaline reagentprevents the latter from leaving the surfaces and capillary voids of thematerial in a subsequent dipping bath of material solvent or convertiveof cellulose. This is important, because, while the alkaline reagent isnecessary to activate the solvent, it is ensured that the solvent be notdegraded by any substantial diffusion of the activating alkalinerematerial and into the solvent-bath. The reaction will thus belocalized and confined at the surfaces and in the capillary voids of thefibrous material; the activation and decomposition of the solvent-bathis avoided, and other advantages ensue.

When the fibrous or textile material so carries a measured dosage of anactivating re agent which primarily operates according to its chemical,physical, or catal tic nature, into the presence of a solvent orexample, cotton cloth carrying a caustic soda solution into anammoniacal copper solution) there ensues a three-part reactionparticipated in by the activating reagent (caustic soda} the solvent(cuprammonium solution) and the nascent cellulosic surface, solutions,or colloid extension formed at the seat of the reaction.

More specifically, and for example, the preferred process willbeperformed by passing a continuous web of cotton fabric through acaustic soda solution (about 19 Twaddell squeezing between rolls, thenconducting the caustic-wet web promptly into and through a cuprammoniumsolution, squeezing n eutralizing, washing, stretching and drying. Asuitable solvent-bath consists of forty pounds of copper sulphate inseven gallons of commercial strong ammonia water, made up to twenty-fivegallons by the addition of water. The immersion of the fabric in thesolvent-bath may have an actual effective duration of from three to fiveseconds. Variations in weight and texture of cloth will call forvariations in concentration of reagents and indurations of exposure totreatmen I In carrying out our present invention, we preferably use theabove described treatment, applying it simultaneously to two webs offabric, both in the preliminary caustic padding stage and the succeedingcuprammonium solvent stage, bringing the two webs into close union whilestill saturated with the caustic reagent and the cuprammonium solutionand retaining them thus juxtaposed while the tripartite reaction betweencaustic alkali, cuprammonium, and cellulose is still in progress at thesurfaces and in the capillary voids of the fibrous textile material. Wehave further discovered, that if the surfaces of the two fabric-webswhich are destined to be thus brought together, are roughened by nappingbefore the caustic padding takes place, the ultimate integration of thecomponent webs into a unitary, though laminated, fabric, is made moreintimate and secure.

An apparatus by the aid of which our process may advantageously becarried out and our new product roduced, is illustrated diagrammaticallyin the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 represents the cloth supply rolls, caustic activating tank androlls, cuprammonium solvent tank and rolls, and part of a tenteringmachine, all in side elevation;

Fig. 2 represents the same factors (omitting the cloth supply rolls) inplan;

Fig. 3 represents the delivery end of the tentering machine, and asoaring and washing apparatus in side elevation;

Fig. 4 shows an enlarged detail of the treated webs and pressing rolls;and

Fig. 5 illustrates the elements of a napping machine.

Taken in connection with the description above given of the preferredtreatment of a web of cotton cloth, the progress of two webs through theillustrated apparatus will serve to exemplify and explain the'presentinvention.

Two rolls of cotton cloth, 1 and 2, are simultaneously unwound by thedraft of the roller systems R and R and tentering machine M, all ofwhich are adjusted to a uniform rate of translatory action. The webs 1and 2 are first drawn through the caustic bath tank T where each web isgiven its predetermined dosage of caustic solution. Thence the webs passto the cuprammonium bath tank T where the cuprammonium solvent solutionenters the capillary interstices of both Webs simultaneously and mingleswith the caustic reagent already associated with the cellulosic fibers.Reaction between the caustic, the cuprammonium and the cellulose isinitated simultaneously and pro presses pari assu in both webs, andpersists after the we s have emerged from the bath in tank T Passingbetween the rolls 1" and 1*, the two webs are laid together underpressure which need not be heavy, and thenceforward travel together inunison.

Preferably, each cloth web will have been napped on one side, as by aplanetary napping machine, indicated diagrammatical y in Fig. 5, thecloth passing from the unwinding roll a through the napper n, andrewinding in roll b. The two rolls, as shown in Fig. 1, are so arrangedthat the union of the two webs 1 andr2 at the rolls r, 0" shall bringthe napped surfaces of the webs together, as shown in Fig. 4.

From the roll s stem R the initially united webs, uniform y saturatedwith the reacting materials, passto the tentering machine M. Thereaction at the fiber surfaces of the webs continues to progress andpreferably should be allowed to exhaust 'the reacting components, so asto produce the predetermi'ned proportion of colloidal cellulosicsolution before this is set or coagulated by the sourin and washingsteps in the process. From t he tentering machine M the laminated fabriccomposed of the two webs 1 and 2 with their content of reaction-productgasses to the souring and washing tank in which d represents thecompartment containing the sulphuric acid souring solution, and d, dwashing compartments contain-, ing water. Thence the fabric, now aunitary double web, passesthrough squeeze rolls R and to winding-uprolls R. In practice it has been found advisable to subject the fabricthereafter to a second souring, followed by clear water washing, beforeit passes to the drying chambers.

The rate of translation of the cloth webs, the concentration of thealkaline and cuprammonium solutions, the duration of sourin and washingwill of course vary to suit di erent weights, textures and materials ofthe webs under treatment. If the fibrous webs be felted, as paper, thepresence of sizing or other in redients should be taken into account, anthe adjustment of quantitative factors in the process made accordinglWith two cotton cloth Webs, each of s yarn, both warp and filling, sleyand pick in the nei hborhood of 80 to 100, the followin specificationshave yielded good results.

ltateof translation of webs, 35 ards per minute. Alkali bath 22 Twaddelsodium hydroxide solution, time of immersion of webs fi seconds.Cuprammonium bath, 400 lbs. copper sulphate, 150 gallons water, 80gallons ammonia (commercial strong solution); time of immersion 3seconds. Time of tentering machine 55 seconds. First souning, 11 secondsin 12 Twaddell sulphuric acid. Second souring in 12 Twaddellsulphuricacid on an ordinary d e jig until the copper coloration is entirelyremoved; time approximately 1 to 2 hours.

By virtue of the substantially simultaneous initiation of the reactionin the several webs of cellulosic material, the roportion of colloidalcellulosic material, t e anchorage therein of cellulose fibers, and thesuperficial ateration of the cloth as a whole, are all s bstantiallyequal in the several web-components, and the union thereof with eachother is of uniform tenacity anywhere in the material.

The importance of bringing the two cloth webs into contact while thereaction in their interstices is still in progress may be demonstratedby stopping the translatory movement of the webs for, say, a minute, andthen resuming. It will be found that the lengths of web, in which thereaction was thus allowed to attain substantial completion separately ineach, are mutual] attached very sli htly, if at all, in the finishedproduct. en the webs have been brought together before the reactionceases, either by exhaustion of the reagents present, or shy treatmentof the cloth with a diluent, the colloidal cellulose proceeds toward itsultimate coagulation and becomes presently a matrix in which the fabricfibers of adjacent webs are embedded. This embedment, accompanied bysuch interlacement and kinking of indivldual fibers as has taken place,serves to bind the two component webs very firmly together; more firmlythan can be the case when a colloidal material functions merel as anadhesive, as when the completed bin ing material, applied to or fullyformed on i one web, is brought into contact with the other web.

The product of the above described process is a firmly integratedlaminated sheet, presents a linen-like appearance and feel, and as awhole is of a conslstency similar to that of lightl starched cotton orlinen of the same y, texture and thickness. While perfectly amenable towashin it restores itself to this flexibly cris con 1tion on drying andironing, and is t erefore adapted to the manufacture ofsuch articles ascollars or cuifs. The modification of the cellulose fiber renders theproduct resistant to moisture and soiling, so that, inan article ofapparel, it will retain its cleanliness for a long time. As the bindingand stifiening cellulosic material is insoluble in all ordiwashingliquids, an article of apparel of it has the valuable property ofselfrestoration to its original crispness after washing.

We 0 aim:

1. The method of joining preformed cellulosic fiber webs, whichcomprises preliminarily applying to the webs a caustic alkali,subsequently subjecting the webs thus prepared to the action ofcuprammonium solution and bringing the webs together prior to thecompletion of the ensuing action between the caustic alkali, thecuprammonium, and the cellulosic material of the webs.

2. The method of making a laminated sheet of cellulosic-fiber webs comrisin applying an activzging reagent oi predetermined concentra on andin predetermined quantity to each of the component webs, causing thewebs containing the activating reagent to take u a predeterminedquantity of a solvent solutionadapted to be activated by said activatingreagent, and bringing said webs into contact before and retaining themin contact during cessation of the cellulose-solvent reaction ensuing.

3. The method of making a laminated sheet of cellulosic-fiber textilefabrics comprising applying an activating reagent of determined quantityof a adapted to predetermined concentration and in predeterminedquantity in relition to the cellulosic mass of the fabrics to each ofthe comnent fabrics causing the fabrics containmg the aotivetmg reagentto take up a presolvent solution said aclivating webs into con-. them incontact activated solvent be activated b reagent, and bringin sai tactbefore and retc ning during reaction ofthe to uilibrium; r

4. The method of uking a laminated sheet of cellulosic-flber websconirisin appl ing an activating reagent 0 pre etermlned concentrationand in predetermined quantity to each of the component webs, causing thewebs containing, the activating reagent to take'up a predeterminedquantity of a, solvent solution adapted to be activated by saidactivating reagent, bringing said webs intocOntact eiore and retaininthem in contact during cessation of the ce iilosestituent in 'theproduct quality of withstanding severe laundering l without separationof solvent reaction ensuing, and dimlving out of the integrated webs allproducts of the reaction except the cellulosic material formed theeeby.

5. An article of manufacture com rising the product of claim 2characterize as n. juxtaposed laminae of cellulosic fibrous ma.- teriulph sicnlly modified over their ehtire inner an outer suiuces bysuperficially dissolved and recipitcbed uallulose of the conric and heldtogether by the precipitated cellulose at adjacent surfaces, thusconstituted having the the constituent lamime and without any materialchange in the upgearance of the surface. igned by us at North Adams,setts, this eleventh day of February,

DENIS D1. GONCZ. ALBERT s. JONES.

Massachn- 4 predetermined concentration and in predetermined quantity inrelation to the cellulosic mass of the fabrics to each of the componcntfabrics, causing the fabrics contain- 5 ;ing the activating reagent totake up a predetermined quantity of a solvent solution adapted to beactivated by said activating reagent. and bringing said webs intocontact before and retaining them in contact during reaction ottheactivated solvent to equilibrium.

4. The method of making a laminated sheet of cellulosic-fiber Webscomprising applying an activating reagent ot' predeterminedconcentration and in predeterinined quantity to each of the component\vebs, causing the webs containing the activating reagent to take up apredetermined quantity of a solvent solution adapted to be activated bysaid activating reagent, bringing said webs into contact before andretaining them in contact during cessation of the cellulosesolventreaction ensuing, and dissolving out of the integrated Webs all productsof the reaction except the cellulosic material formed thereby.

5. An article of manufacture comprising the product of claim 2characterized as a. juxtaposed laminae of celluiosic fibrous materialphysically modified over their entire inner and outer sufaces bysuperficially dissolved and precipitated cellulose of the con stituentfabric and held together by the precipitated cellulose at adjacentsurfaces, the product thus constituted having the quality ofwithstanding severe laundering without separation of the constituentlaniinae and without any material change in the appearance of thesurface.

Signed by us at North Adams, Massachusetts, this eleventh day ofFebruary, 1925.

DENIS DE GoNoz. ALBERT s. JONES.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1, 661,880.

Granted March 6, 1928, to

DENIS de GONCZ ET AL.

It is hereby certified thateerror appears in the printed specificationof the abovenumbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 4,after line 28,

claim 5, insert the words "laminated fabric comprising a plurality of";and

that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction thereinthat the same may conform to the record of the case in the PatentOffice.

Signed and sealed this 10th day of April, A. D. 1928.

M. J. Moore,

( Acting Commissioner of Patents.

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1.661.880. Granted March 6, 1928, to

DENIS de GONCZ ET AL.

It is'hereby certified tha'ogerror appears in the printed specificationof the abovenumbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 4,after line 28, claim 5, insert the words "laminated fabric comprising aplurality of"; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with thiscorrection therein that the same may conform to the record of the casein the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 10th day of April, A. D. 1928.

M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

